Colorado Springs Mental Health Diversion Programs
If you or a loved one was arrested in Colorado Springs during a mental health crisis, Colorado law may allow the case to be diverted into treatment instead of traditional prosecution. Colorado Springs cases are generally handled in El Paso County courts — this guide explains how diversion works there, who qualifies, and what happens after.
Colorado law that applies in Colorado Springs
C.R.S. § 18-1.3-101 — Pretrial diversion.
- C.R.S. § 13-5-144 (problem-solving courts)
Citations pending attorney review.
How a Colorado Springs case moves into diversion
- 1. Arrest & booking. After a Colorado Springs arrest, the case is filed with El Paso County prosecutors. Jail mental health staff may flag a condition at intake.
- 2. Defense request. Your attorney gathers treatment records and asks the court or prosecutor for diversion or mental health court referral.
- 3. Evaluation & plan. A clinician confirms the diagnosis and proposes a treatment plan for the court to review.
- 4. Supervision. You follow the plan with regular check-ins with the El Paso County court or program staff.
- 5. Dismissal. Successful completion can lead to dismissed charges and possible record sealing.
Who may qualify in Colorado Springs
Courts commonly consider a diagnosed condition such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or major depression; whether it contributed to the alleged offense; whether treatment is likely to help; and public safety. Veterans may also be eligible for veterans treatment court where available. For the full Colorado breakdown, see the Colorado diversion guide.
Colorado Springs diversion FAQs
Does Colorado Springs have a mental health diversion program?
Criminal cases from Colorado Springs are typically heard in El Paso County courts, where diversion is governed by C.R.S. § 18-1.3-101 (Pretrial diversion) and local court and prosecutor policy. Availability depends on the charge and program capacity — a local defense attorney can confirm current options.
Where are Colorado Springs criminal cases heard?
Most Colorado Springs arrests are prosecuted in the El Paso County criminal courts. Some minor offenses may go through municipal court. Mental health court dockets, where available, are usually run at the county level.
Who qualifies for mental health diversion in Colorado Springs?
Courts commonly look for a diagnosed mental health condition (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, major depression, and others) that played a role in the offense, a treatment plan likely to help, and no unreasonable public safety risk. Some serious or violent charges may be excluded under Colorado law.
Can felony charges in Colorado Springs be diverted?
It depends on Colorado law and the specific charge. Some Colorado programs accept certain felonies; others are limited to misdemeanors. A Colorado Springs diversion lawyer can review whether your charge is eligible.
What happens if I complete diversion in Colorado Springs?
Successful completion of a Colorado diversion program often leads to dismissal of the charges, and may open the door to sealing or expungement of the arrest record.
How do I find a mental health diversion lawyer in Colorado Springs?
Look for a criminal defense attorney who regularly practices in El Paso County courts and has handled diversion or mental health court cases. You can request a match through this site at no cost.